Box Score
Box score
MILWAUKEE - The Wisconsin Lutheran College
football team leaned on a strong defensive performance to earn a
14-2 Northern Athletics Conference win over Benedictine Saturday at
Raabe Stadium.
Defense dominated the first half for both teams as neither team
was able to find the end zone. The Warriors defense forced two
turnovers on downs in the first quarter, and forced three more
punts in the half. The Benedictine defense also had a strong
performance, recovering a fumble on the first two Warriors
possessions. The final four WLC possessions of the half resulted in
punts.
The game remained scoreless until halfway through the third
quarter. In a defensive battle, it was the Warriors defense that
got the scoring started when Jordan Rabe (Oshkosh, Wis./West)
intercepted a Cyle Schultz pass and returned it 85 yards for a
touchdown. The play was the longest interception return in program
history.
Following a three-and-out for Benedictine on its next
possession, the Warriors offense came through with their first
score of the game. Donavin Tucker (Brookfield, Wis./East) capped
off a six-play, 41-yard drive by rushing into the end zone from
nine yards out to put WLC up 14-0. WLC carried its two-touchdown
advantage into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was almost played scoreless until
Benedictine's lone points in the game came with 14 seconds left
when the Warriors were pinned deep in their own territory and
intentionally gave BenU two points to avoid further trouble.
The Warriors defense continued their strong play, sacking
Schultz twice and picking him off three times. In addition to
Rabe's interception, Jason Kramer (Oconomowoc, Wis./Wisconsin
Lutheran) and Aaron Allister (Lake Mills, Wis./Lakeside Lutheran)
each intercepted passes as WLC held BenU to 183 passing yards for
the game.
Quarterback Zach Shaw (Gurnee, Ill./Warren Township) finished
4-of-9 for 44 yards. The Warriors running game gained 107 yards on
32 carries. Kramer led all defensive players with 15 tackles, while
Jim Wheeler (Crystal Falls, Mich./Forest Park) contributed with 11.
The Warriors ran 41 offensive plays for 143 yards compared to the
Eagles' 79 plays and 313 yards.
For Benedictine (3-4, 1-3 NAC), Schultz finished 23-of-40 for
174 yards and three interceptions. Benedictine rushed 38 times for
150 yards. Chris Buonavolanto had a team-high seven tackles.
The Warriors (5-2, 3-1 NAC) will travel to Watertown, Wis., next
Saturday to take on Maranatha (0-7, 0-4 NAC). Kickoff from
Maranatha Field is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
